CITY OF HAMILTON BUILDING

AND SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to the Design Guidelines
Background
Purpose and Application
The Scope of the Guidelines
Organization of the Design Guidelines

Chapter 1. Neighborhood Design Guidelines

A. Green Space
B. Auto Connections
C. Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections
D. Street Character

Chapter 2. Site Design Guidelines

A. Natural Features
B. Views
C. Cultural Resources
D. Topography
E. Site Drainage
F. Building Placement
G. Outdoor Public Spaces
H. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Systems
I. Internal Automobile Circulation Systems
J. Parking Lots
K. Site Lighting
L. Utilities and Service Areas
M. Landscape Design
N. Buffers

Chapter 3. Building Design Guidelines

A. Building and Topography
B. Building Character
C. Primary Building Entrance
D. Street Level Interest
E. Building Mass and Scale
F. Roof Form
G. Building Materials
H. Building Complex
I. Service Canopies
J. Color
K. Utilities and Mechanical Equipment

Appendix A – Additional Design Guidelines for the Central Business Zone District
and the Historic Downtown Area
City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Building entrances are addressed in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.

The Building and Site Design Guidelines apply to all areas within the City of Hamilton.
Some of these are older areas where development patterns are established and the adjoining
neighborhoods are a part of the design context. Others are newer locations where character is
emerging and natural resources are a part of the scene. In each case, the character and functional
qualities of each area can greatly enhance the community. Certain commercial corridors also
serve as key entry routes into the core of the city and set expectations for the quality of
development downtown. For these reasons, the city seeks to assure that nonresidential

1 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

commercial development will result in dynamic, attractive neighborhoods and also will reflect the
overall goals for high-quality design throughout the community. It is in this spirit that these
design guidelines are produced. This section establishes the objectives of the Building and Site
Design Guidelines and provides an overview of their organization. In addition, the process for
developing them is explained.

In this Chapter:

• Background
• Purpose and Application
• The Scope of the Design Guidelines
• Organization of the Design Guidelines

BACKGROUND

The City of Hamilton seeks to protect its unique character, which is a combination of
spectacular natural features and early building traditions. The community is fortunate to have a
strong downtown with a rich architectural history and the community wishes to respect those
design traditions in development of the city’s various commercial areas, while supporting their
unique identities.

Relationship to Other Goals & Policies

These design guidelines attempt to demonstrate a consistent commitment to promoting

livability and protecting design traditions of the region. The image of the community, as well as
its economic vitality, are affected by the safety, operations and appearance of the streetscape. It is
suggested that particular characteristics such as additional landscaping, fewer access points and
enhanced building design are to be reviewed when properties are developed or redeveloped. It is
also suggested that a degree of flexibility be used in the application of any future standards.

Hamilton is a dynamic community and it is recognized that policy will change over time.
This will necessitate that plans reflect the evolving nature of new development, community
expectations and building economics. Therefore this undertaking establishing the Building and
Site Design Guidelines should be considered a “working tool” to guide the long term quality of
physical change in the community. Finally, dramatic improvements in the physical environment
cannot occur overnight. It takes years of small, incremental enhancements to cumulatively
produce an eventual result that can be appreciated. This requires a long term commitment by the
city to encourage higher quality development. In many ways, it is the next and future generations
that will benefit from this sustained effort.

PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

This document applies to all development within the city’s jurisdictional area. In
applying design guidelines to proposals for development or remodeling, it is necessary for the
city to recognize the importance of three guiding principles: flexibility, appropriateness and
clarity of direction. In general, compliance with the guidelines is expected, to the greatest extent
feasible. However, there are cases in which some added flexibility may be appropriate. These
relate to projects in which deviations from the underlying zoning are requested and in which

2 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

alterations to existing properties are planned. The City’s Special Use Permit process provides a
review framework for evaluating deviations from the design guidelines.

Deviations From Underlying Zoning

In some cases, property owners may apply for “deviations” from underlying zoning
requirements. The general design objectives and guidelines will be used in the review of all
development proposals, regardless of whether “deviations” from basic code standards are being
sought. However, for projects requesting deviations, street frontage landscaping (trees and
shrubs), pedestrian spaces and amenities, and the criteria applicable to each neighborhood will be
applied with particular emphasis. The City’s Special Use Permit process provides a review
framework for evaluating deviations from the design guidelines.

Application to Alterations of Existing Development

These guidelines apply to alterations of existing properties as well as completely new

development. However, in the case of improvements to existing properties, the degree to which
the guidelines can be fully met may be limited because of existing constraints. For that reason,
they will be applied with more flexibility in such situations. When considering the application of
the guidelines, the city recognizes that the potential viewpoint of a project may influence the
degree to which specific guidelines may apply, particularly those that address the character of
development as seen from a public way. Most properties along the commercial corridors are
highly visible, but in a few cases, this exposure may be limited and, in such a case, the guidelines
addressing the character of the street edge may have less emphasis.

THE SCOPE OF THE GUIDELINES

These guidelines shall apply to all commercial zones within the city. When
improvements are proposed, the city will consider the appropriateness of the project within
the context of these guidelines.

It is the general intent that the review process should apply to areas abutting the
roadway where development could affect the character and function of the corridor. This
generally is the full depth of a parcel; however, in some circumstances where the parcel is quite
deep and extends beyond the district boundary, the entire parcel will comply with the design
guidelines.

How the Guidelines are Organized

The guidelines address three topics of design and an addendum addressing the central
business district.

• Neighborhood Design

These focus on integrating individual projects with broader community development

objectives, which seek to link properties together into a sense of “neighborhood.” Even a
commercial corridor is envisioned as functioning as a cohesive unit, and in this sense is to be
considered a “neighborhood.”

3 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

• Site Design

Site design guidelines address the manner in which a building is placed on its site and in
which site functions are organized. It includes guidelines for landscaping, parking and treatment
of open space.

• Building Design

Building design guidelines address the basic mass, scale and materials of buildings. They
address only broad-scale topics and do not dictate architectural styles.

Guideline Format and Compliance

In Chapters 1-3 each guideline topic is presented in a “hierarchical” format.
• First, a policy statement is provided.
• Secondly, specific guidelines are provided that respond to the policy statement.
• Supplementary information which includes examples of how guideline compliance could be
achieved is then provided in a series of “bullets.”
• This text is usually supplemented with an illustration.

Note that all of these components constitute formal design policy and may be
used in determining the appropriateness of a proposal.
In many cases, compliance with a guideline can be achieved by meeting one of
the specific measures described in the “bullet” list. In a case where the specific
bullets do not apply, the guideline statement itself shall, and if that also does not
apply, then the policy statement shall be used. In this way, flexibility is provided
within a consistent structure.

It is understood that there is a dynamic interaction among the guidelines and

that, in some cases, one design guideline may not be met fully, in order to more
fully meet a guideline of higher priority. In order to indicate those guidelines
which are of highest priority, a plus symbol (+) is used at the end of certain
guideline sentences.

4 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Organization of the Design Guidelines

Chapter 1 - Neighborhood Design

This section presents guidelines that
address how individual properties
should be designed to create a sense
of neighborhood.

Chapter 2 - Site Design

These guide which individual parcels should be
planned to enhance appearance and
function.

Chapter 3 - Building Design

These guidelines address basic
elements of architectural design, such
as mass and scale and materials.

Appendix A – Additional Design Guidelines

for the Central Business Zone District and
the Historic Downtown Area
These guidelines address additional
elements of architectural design, such
as mass and scale and materials and
compatibility with the historic character
of the area.

5 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

NEIGHBORHOOD
DESIGN GUIDELINES

Properties should be planned to frame important views.

This chapter focuses on urban design concepts that connect individual properties and help knit
them into the fabric of a neighborhood. They address concepts that will help to link adjoining
properties and plan for ways in which abutting developments enhance each other and make use of
opportunities for coordinated, cooperative site planning.

Objectives for Neighborhood Wide Design:

Each development should help to achieve a sense of neighborhood.
Projects should be planned to relate to adjoining properties in a positive way, by
promoting connections among properties where appropriate, by planning cooperatively
to make joint use of natural features that span across properties, and
by using design treatments that convey a sense of visual continuity.

Highlight landscapes and views.

Properties should be planned to emphasize landscaped areas and frame important
views. This includes retaining significant existing landscape features, when
feasible, and planning development with abutting properties in mind, such that

6 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

opportunities to plan in a coordinated manner are maximized. Planning view

corridors such that they align with those on adjacent properties is also encouraged.
In this Chapter:
A. Green Space
B. Auto Connections
C. Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections
D. Street Character

Places that include mature stands of trees

are examples of important green space to
preserve, when feasible.

7 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

CHAPTER 1
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design Guidelines:

A. Green Space

Policy:

Green space that can be enjoyed, both visually and functionally, should be provided in a project,
when feasible. The green space of an individual parcel should be coordinated with that of
adjoining properties as well, such that mutual benefits can be maximized. In many cases, this will
be provided in the required setback area, but may occur in some settings, in other parts of the site.

Guidelines:

1. Preserve existing green space in a development whenever feasible. (+)

• Places that include mature stands of trees and distinctive land formations
are examples of important open space to preserve.
• A reduction in the front setback requirement may be granted when
a significant amount of existing green space is preserved elsewhere
on the site.

2. Enhance high-quality green space when it exists in key locations. (+)

• Where opportunities exist, reserve green space where it will abut
that of adjacent properties to increase the visual impacts of these
areas.

• Coordinate green space with that of adjacent parcels such that they
are visually associated and are interpreted as a larger area.
• Also position green space to link access points with those of adjoining
properties.

3. Organize uses to maximize natural assets of the site. (+)

• When a storm water detention facility is to be provided, position it
in green space and design it to be an amenity.
• Locate service areas away from natural green space that is retained
on the site.
• Provide public access for green space, when feasible.

8 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Inappropriate: Natural resource areas are

not linked.

Appropriate: Natural resource areas are

linked between properties.

B. Auto Connections

Policy:

Connections to auto circulation systems on adjoining properties and within properties

that permit access without returning to the street, should be provided, when feasible, to permit
convenient access and to reduce traffic on abutting public streets. The cumulative benefit of doing
this will sometimes be contingent upon cooperation with adjoining property owners.

Guideline:

1. Provide direct automobile access within or to an abutting property, when feasible. (+)
• Even where an adjoining parcel is presently undeveloped, reserve the opportunity to provide a
connection in the future.
• A cross-property easement may be used to assure access.
• Individual parking areas on large parcels should be connected internally.

9 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: A continuous, safe and convenient automobile circulation system should be provided between
adjacent properties and within properties when feasible. Connections should occur through parking areas.

Appropriate: Pedestrian connections to

public sidewalks are provided and waiting
zones are provided at the sidewalk corner.

10 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

C. Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections

Policy:

Convenient pedestrian and bicycle access should be provided among properties

to achieve a sense of being an integrated neighborhood and to reduce dependence
upon automobiles. Access to regional trail systems also should be provided.

Guidelines:

1. Provide convenient pedestrian and bikeway connections among abutting properties. (+)
• Create an internal walkway that will link to those of adjacent properties.

2. Provide convenient connections to regional pedestrian and bikeway circulation systems.

(+)
• Provide a clearly defined, direct connection to adjoining public sidewalks.
• Also provide connections to regional trails when they abut a property
or are in close proximity.

3. Provide a waiting zone at major pedestrian crossings. (+)

• Provide a clearly defined area where a pedestrian can take refuge
while waiting to cross a major arterial.
• This may occur as a small plaza that adjoins the sidewalk corner.

Appropriate: Connections to pedestrian systems are provided.

11 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Pedestrian access routes

linking abutting properties.

Appropriate: In this development scenario a continuous “green edge” is shown with a coordinated
landscape treatment along several parcels. Automobile and pedestrian links also occur and site drainage is
incorporated as an amenity.

12 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

D. Street Character

Policy:

In addition to the design features described in this section, special streetscape elements may be
selected when an area plan is developed. For example, a distinctive light standard may be chosen,
along with a collection of benches and waste receptacles.

Guideline:

1. The use of a coordinated set of street furnishings is encouraged. (+)

2. The use of a coordinated landscape design shall be used along the

street edge to establish a single identity for the area and to buffer
the view of cars in parking areas. (+)
• Use plant materials that are similar to those on adjacent properties
to provide a sense of continuity in landscape design.
• Landscape design may include: street trees, shrubbery and decorative
walls and/or fences.

Appropriate: The use of a coordinated

landscape design shall be used along the
street edge.

13 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES

Outdoor public places should be provided on major site developments.

This section addresses the organization of uses on a site, the layout of pedestrian
and automobile circulation, the development of open space, the orientation
of buildings and landscape design.

Objectives for Site Design:

Provide positive outdoor public spaces.
Outdoor public spaces that can be enjoyed by people using a site should be provided throughout
the area. In addition, space that can be appreciated by views from the public way are to be
encouraged.

Provide landscaping that reflects the Hamilton region.

Landscaping, including plantings, earth forms, decorative paving and site furniture, should
convey the design traditions of the region. Plant materials should be used that convey the
changing seasons, which are such a distinctive part of life in the city. Plants that provide seasonal
variations in color are particularly appropriate.

14 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Provide landscaping that enhances views from the public way.

Landscaping should contribute to the visual continuity of a commercial corridor, while reflecting
the identities of individual sites. It should provide visual interest while also serving to define
functional areas within the site and to buffer views of service areas.

Provide landscaping that enhances pedestrian activity within a site.

Landscaping should help to define walkways and outdoor use areas. These should be designed to
facilitate their use throughout the year.

Provide buildings that clearly establish the desired character for development
at major intersections.
Buildings at key intersections should strongly establish a pedestrian scale and address the road
edge.

In this Chapter:
A. Natural Features
B. Views
C. Cultural Resources
D. Topography
E. Site Drainage
F. Building Placement
G. Outdoor Public Spaces
H. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Systems
I. Internal Automobile Circulation Systems
J. Parking Lots
K. Site Lighting
L. Utilities and Service Areas
M. Landscape Design
N. Buffers

Appropriate: A building shall be positioned to

enhance natural features that exist on a site

15 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

CHAPTER 2
SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES
A. Natural Features

Policy:

A significant natural feature on a property should be incorporated as an asset in a site plan. For
example, waterways and mature trees should be incorporated into the development, when
feasible. When adjacent properties are developed, natural resources should serve as unifying
elements.

Guidelines:

1. Preserve and enhance existing significant natural resources in the area. (+)

• Enhance existing vegetation and landscaping, particularly mature trees.

• Preserve and/or enhance existing drainage ways.
• Note however, that “noxious” vegetation which is inappropriate in Hamilton, need not be
preserved.

Preserve existing drainage ways as amenities. Although a more natural planting scheme is required
today, the concept illustrated here, of making use of a drainage way as an asset, is valid.

16 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

2. Minimize negative impacts on natural slopes. (+)

• Minimize excavation that may be visible from adjacent properties.
• Terrace cuts into landforms with retaining walls and plant materials, for example.

3. A building shall be positioned to enhance significant natural features that

exist on a site. (+)
• Locate an entry plaza such that it provides a view to a waterway or rock formation, for example.

B. Views

Policy:

Views from the public way to natural features also should be maintained. Therefore, view
opportunities should be identified for all major site developments. Significant views may occur
from major public open spaces, street intersections, bridges and roadway overlooks.

Guideline:

1. Enhance views from the public way to scenic natural features and
landmarks, when feasible. (+)
• Locate a building to maintain key views as they are seen from the public way.
• Site buildings in relation to adjoining properties to frame a view as it may be observed from
public rights-of-way. Avoid completely blocking such a view with a large building mass.

C. Cultural Resources

Policy:

Cultural resources, including prehistoric archaeological (below-ground) and/or above ground

historical properties. These are community assets that should be addressed. Negative impacts on
these resources should be avoided.

Guidelines:

1. Preserve historic buildings, when feasible.(+)

• Designating significant buildings and structures as historic sites is encouraged.
• When feasible, preserve a historic building in place, through adaptive re-use incorporating it
into a new development.
• When preservation is not feasible, document the building in photographs or drawings before
altering, removing or demolishing it.

2. Leave archeological resources in place, when feasible. (+)

• Consider avoiding potentially significant archeological resources when locating structures in a
site plan.
• Avoid disturbing known archeological resources, if feasible.
•. If archeological materials are discovered, consider evaluating and documenting them when
conditions permit.

17 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Cultural resources, which include

properties of historic significance.

Appropriate: Views to natural features also

should be maintained. Significant views may
occur from major public open spaces, street
intersections, bridges and roadway overlooks.

18 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

D. Topography

Policy:

Site work should be planned to protect the assets of the existing topography.

Guidelines:

1. Minimize cut and fill on a site. (+)

• Divide large grade changes into a series of benches and terraces, where feasible.

2. A road or driveway shall follow existing contours, when feasible. (+)

• Screen a road cut with a rock wall, plant materials or a building.

3. Design a building foundation to conform to the existing topography, rather than creating
extensive cut and fill. (+)
• Step the foundation of a building to follow site contours, when feasible.
• If stepping the foundation is not possible, disguise the cut with building placement and/or
building walls, and provide a landscape buffer system at the top of cut.

4. Minimize the visual impacts of cut and fill on a site. (+)

• Regrade the site as a stable, “natural” slope, when feasible.
• Terrace parking lots on steep slopes, following site contours.

Appropriate: A retaining wall shall blend

with the natural features of the setting.

19 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Design a building foundation to conform to the existing topography.

5. Where one must be used, a retaining wall shall blend with the
natural features of the setting. (+)
• Use native rock, or:
• Use other masonry that conveys a scale and texture similar to that of traditional rock walls. Split
face block and scored and textured concrete are examples.
• Limit the height of a retaining wall to less than five (5) feet, when feasible.
• Where greater heights in a retaining wall must occur, use a series of terraced or stepped walls.
• The width of a retaining terrace should not be less than three (3) feet.
• The Office of Community Development may vary the retaining wall height and width
requirements depending on site conditions.

Appropriate: Site is terraced, including parking areas, to reduce retaining wall heights.

20 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Inappropriate: excessive cut and tall retaining

wall.

Appropriate: Use native rock in retaining

walls and to stabilize cut faces.

21 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

E. Site Drainage

Policy:

Site drainage should be planned such that it minimizes negative impacts on

natural site features. It also should be designed as an amenity that is incorporated
into the overall landscape scheme. In addition, planning site drainage to
be handled in a regional system is encouraged.

Guidelines:

1. Enhance significant natural drainage ways including flood plains

and their tributaries in site design. (+)
• Incorporate a natural drainage way as an amenity into the site plan.
• Avoid altering or obscuring natural drainage ways.
• In order to support water quality policies, consider those systems
that provide the following treatments: separation of grit and oil from
runoff, slow release ponds to prevent large storm surges in receiving
waters, and overland flows through vegetative buffers to remove
nutrients and pollutants.
• Larger detention basins may be designed for active public uses.

2. Incorporate drainage systems as a part of the site amenities and

landscape design. (+)
• Develop a storm drain as an open, landscaped feature that is lined
with native grasses and indigenous plants. This can be accomplished
while also meeting technical engineering standards.
• Minimize the use of riprap and other devices that do not appear
natural in character.

3. Parking areas should be designed to minimize storm water runoff.

(+)
• Use biofilters to maintain and convey shallow depths of runoff over
vegetation.
• Overflow parking areas are discouraged, but if they are to be provided
they should use porous paving materials that will optimize
infiltration of storm water into soils.

22 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Enhance significant natural

drainage ways, including flood plains and
their tributaries, in site design.

Appropriate: Incorporate drainage systems

as a part of the site amenities and
landscape design.

Appropriate: Incorporate drainage systems as a part of the site amenities and landscape
design.

23 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

4. Where it is to be used, design a detention pond as a site amenity. (+)

• Use landscape materials that convey the natural traditions of Hamilton
such as local stone, evergreens, and drought tolerant grasses.
• Include a detention area as part of the open space scheme for the
site when feasible.
• When a detention pond cannot be designed as a site amenity, utilize an underground
drainage system, when feasible.

Appropriate: Include a detention area as part of the green space scheme for the when feasible. Also,
arrange buildings in a cluster to define outdoor space.

24 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

F. Building Placement
Policy:

Buildings should be sited to respect development patterns that are identified in the design
objectives such as the orientation of structures to the street, alignment of building fronts and
setbacks, relationship to neighboring properties, as well as the location of buildings at major
intersections.

Guidelines:

1. Where two or more buildings will be located in a major site

development, arrange them in a cluster to define outdoor spaces. (+)
• Define plazas and courtyards by clustering buildings.
• Clustering buildings to create active outdoor public space is appropriate.

2. Where a major intersection occurs, provide a building anchor at the corner. (+)
• Define the corner with a strong building presence.
• Enhancing the corner with a pedestrian-friendly entrance plaza is
also encouraged. For example, this may include human scaled design
features such as benches and planters.

3. Organize the public edges of a site to provide visual interest to pedestrians. (+)
• Incorporate display windows or other architectural features to provide
interest. (See Building Design Guidelines section)
• Provide a landscape feature along the walkway edge.
• Locate a building at the walkway edge where possible. If it is not feasible, use a planting strip,
site wall or similar landscape feature to define the “building wall.”

4. Locate a building entry near the sidewalk edge with an entry

plaza and landscape, when feasible. (+)
• This is especially important for commercial uses.
• Multifamily uses also should have some building entrances oriented
to the street, but may be set back farther where a larger yard
or landscaped area is planned.

5. A building shall be positioned to fit within the setbacks specified for the zone district. (+)
• Exceptions to the setback requirement may be considered if an alternative
street edge treatment meets the intent of maintaining the
street wall, if a pedestrian place of refuge is provided and is designed
as a pedestrian friendly area, and/or if the site is constrained
such that the standard setback is not feasible. These exceptions will
be considered on a case-by-case basis.

25 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

6. Consider solar orientation and access when siting a building. (+)

• Where feasible, the long axis of the building should be oriented
east - west for maximum solar exposure and daylighting benefits.

Appropriate: Locate a building entry near

the sidewalk edge, when feasible.

Appropriate: This commercial property

provides a small plaza that adjoins the
public sidewalk, encouraging public use.

26 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Enhancing the corner with

a pedestrian friendly entrance that may
include human scaled design features
such as planters.

27 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

G. Outdoor Public Spaces

Policy:

The development of outdoor public spaces should be encouraged in order to

enhance the site as a place for pedestrians. Buildings and other site functions
should be planned to create outdoor public spaces, and the development of space
that can be shared among properties is encouraged.

Guidelines:

1. Provide an outdoor public space on a major site development

when feasible. (+)
• Appropriate public spaces include plazas, parks, covered arcades
and weather-protected areas.

2. Develop an outdoor public space as a focal point for the site. (+)
• Position this space such that it can be shared by adjoining buildings,
when feasible.
• Also, position outdoor public space on the site such that it may
visually or physically connect with outdoor public space on adjacent
properties.
• Integrate natural features into outdoor public space, when feasible.
• Orient outdoor public space to views of activities, architectural landmarks
or natural features to provide visual interest.

Appropriate: Provide an outdoor public space on a major site development when feasible.

28 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Develop an outdoor public

space as a focal point for the site.

3. Decorative surface materials and landscaping should be

integrated as design features. (+)
• Use hand-surfaced (concrete, or unit pavers, not asphalt) materials.
Consider colored and/or scored concrete as an option.
• Enhance with landscaping.

4. Connect an outdoor public space with major building activities. (+)

• Use a public open space to connect the entrances of two buildings
on a site.
• See the guidelines for pedestrian systems in Section H: Pedestrian
and Bicycle Circulation Systems on the following page.

5. Design a public space to be actively used. (+)

• Plan site drainage to lead runoff away from active use areas.
• Also orient the space to face south and west for solar heating, to
extend its use throughout the year.
• Provide outdoor seating that is usable for extended periods during
the year. Create a sense of enclosure when feasible.

29 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Provide outdoor seating that

is usable for extended periods of the year.

Appropriate: Decorative surface materials

and landscaping should be integrated
as design features.

30 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Use a public open space to connect the entrances of two buildings on a
site.

H. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Systems

Policy:

Pedestrians and bicyclists should have safe, convenient access to the various
functions of a site; therefore, a coordinated pedestrian and bicycle circulation
system that fits the character of the site should be provided.

Guidelines:

1. Link the various functions and spaces on a site with pedestrian

ways in a coordinated system. (+)
• Provide convenient connections for pedestrians and bicyclists between
buildings on an individual site.
• Also provide convenient connections from parking areas to buildings
on the site.
• Provide access to outdoor public space and green space along these
pedestrian routes as well.
• Provide conveniently located bike rack(s) based on the size and
function of the site.

31 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Define walkways through

parking lots.

Appropriate: Link site elements, including parking areas, buildings and outdoor public spaces in a
coordinated system.

2. Position any street side and internal walkways to encourage pedestrian use. (+)
• Locate a walkway such that key destination points, such as building
entries, are clearly visible.
• Site a path in an area that will remain visible from active outdoor public spaces.

32 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

3. Use hard surface materials for walkways to encourage use by pedestrians. (+)
• Use materials that provide traction and facilitate general maintenance and snow removal.

4. Clearly define a key pedestrian entrance into a major site development with distinctive
landscape elements. (+)

5. Enhance a key pedestrian way at a street or drive crossing. (+)

• Use decorative or textured paving, signs and/or landscaping to identify the crossing point.

6. In major site developments, provide a clear, continuous, convenient pedestrian route

through a parking lot to a building entrance. (+)
• Define the sidewalk with landscaping, paving, and pedestrian-scaled
lighting.

Appropriate: Use decorative or textured

paving, signs and/or landscaping to identify
pedestrian crossing points in streets
and driveways.

33 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: In large parking areas, provide

a clear, continuous, convenient pedestrian
route through a parking lot to a building
entrance.

Appropriate: Provide conveniently located bike rack(s) based on the size and
function of the site.

I. Internal Automobile Circulation Systems

Policy:

This section focuses on the design of streets and driveways within a major site
development. Related guidelines addressing how these systems link to those on
abutting properties appear in the Neighborhood Design chapter. Note that all
site plans must provide circulation systems which meet the city’s street engineering
standards.

34 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

A continuous, safe, and convenient internal automobile circulation system should

be provided. The hierarchy of differing levels of use should be clearly apparent
in the roadway designs.

Guidelines:

1. Within a development, convey the hierarchy of internal streets

and driveways in the streetscape design. (+)
• Streetscape design elements shall convey the level of use of the
street. For example, major circulation routes should have a higher
degree of landscape materials.
• Those that are intended to attract intensive pedestrian use shall include
decorative elements and furnishings that provide interest and
a sense of human scale.

2. Minimize the number of curb cuts onto a public street along a

property edge. (+)
• Share a driveway with an adjacent property, when feasible.
• Use connections to secondary cross-streets, when feasible.

Appropriate: This development is entered on a drive that is accented by a street median.

As the drive projects into the development it narrows and terminates at a roundabout,
where several access points leads to a variety of commercial developments.

Policy:

Entry points for automobiles should be clearly defined on a site to facilitate safe
and convenient operation.

Guideline:

1. Identify a key entry point into a major site development with

special landscape design elements. (+)
• Use accent paving and landscaping to highlight primary entry points
into a site.
• Special signs that identify the entry point are also appropriate.

35 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Policy:

Automobile circulation should be planned as an integrated system throughout a

property.

Guidelines:

1. Provide a continuous circulation system within a

property. (+)
• Provide clear connections to external circulation systems.
• Link a road or driveway with the overall site circulation patterns of
adjacent parcels, when feasible.

2. Minimize the width of internal roadways when feasible. (+)

• Streets and drives must meet the minimum standards defined in the
city’s engineering standards. It is preferred that the roadway not
exceed the minimum width standard.

Appropriate: Provide defined pedestrian

circulation routes within a development.

36 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Identify a key entry point into a major site development with special landscape
design elements.

J. Parking Lots

Policy:

The visual impacts of parking areas should be minimized and large expanses of
parking lots should be avoided. Using on-street and shared parking arrangements
should be considered to accommodate some parking needs as well.

Guidelines:

1. In all developments, minimize the number of cars parked on site. (+)

• For major site developments, parking supply shall not exceed the minimum requirements, unless
provided in structured parking.
• Provide pedestrian and bicycle connections, see previous section (H.).

2. In order to reduce the land area for parking surface, use alternative methods of meeting
parking demand. (+)
• Share parking spaces with complementary uses that have different peak periods of parking
demand.
• Facilitate access to the site by alternative modes of transportation, including walking and
bicycle.
• Develop structured parking that may also incorporate other uses.
• Shared structure and surface parking is appropriate for large commercial projects.

37 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Provide landscape buffers at

parking areas.

Appropriate: Buffer parking areas with landscaping.

38 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Inappropriate: Exposed parking without landscaping.

Appropriate: Locating a building at the

corner, with parking behind.

39 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Inappropriate: Locating parking in front,

especially at a corner site.

Policy:

A parking lot should be designed so it will provide efficient vehicular circulation

and safe pedestrian circulation within the site, while minimizing the visual
impacts of cars.

Guidelines:

1. Minimize the negative visual impacts of cars parked on site. A

single parking area shall not exceed one acre in size. If the total
parking area of a project exceeds one acre, it shall be divided into
a series of separate lots. (+)
• Screen parking areas from view of public ways with landscaping
(i.e., berm, low decorative wall, evergreen hedge) a minimum of 4’
in height.
• Divide parking areas into smaller lots with planted buffers between
them to minimize the perceived scale of the total field of stalls.
• Locating all or most of a parking lot to the side or behind a building,
rather than in front, is encouraged because it will reduce the
visual impact of the parking lot as seen from the street
.
2. Use shared drives to access parking areas, when feasible. (+)
• Avoid parallel road conditions, in which two abutting properties
have separate driveways.
• Provide cross-property easements to share driveways and reduce
the need for additional curb cuts, when feasible.

40 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Provide cross-property easements to share driveways and reduce the need for additional
curb cuts, when feasible

Appropriate: Islands located in parking

areas should be generously sized and landscaped,
because it reduces the negative impacts
of large expanses of asphalt and concrete.

41 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Divide a large parking area

into a series of smaller lots to reduce the
visual impacts. Landscape buffers that
separate parking lots should be 15’ minimum
width with a sidewalk and 12’ minimum
width without a sidewalk.

K. Site Lighting

Policy:

Site lighting should be designed to facilitate safe and convenient circulation of motorists,
bicyclists and pedestrians. Light levels should be sufficient for safety. However, light spill onto
adjacent properties and into the night sky should be minimized. The light level at the property
line is a key design consideration. This is affected by the number of fixtures, their mounting
height, and the lumens emitted per fixture.

Guidelines:

1. Use differences in lighting design to express varying site

functions. (+)
• Define road crossings and entry points with accent lighting.

2. Minimize the level of lighting across parking areas. (+)

• Focus higher light levels at key crossing points and intersections,
rather than uniformly across a lot.
• In other parts of the lot, provide a lower level of lighting, while also meeting safety needs.

3. Provide lighting for pedestrian ways that is appropriately scaled

to walking. (+)
• Mount lights for pedestrian ways on short poles or consider using light posts (bollards).

42 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

4. Lighting shall be shielded to prevent any off-site glare. (+)

• Light fixtures should incorporate cut-off shields to direct light downward.
• Luminaires shall not be visible from adjacent streets or properties.

5. Light fixtures should be in character with the setting. (+)

• Fixtures should be compatible with architectural and site design elements.

Appropriate: Site lighting should be designed

to facilitate safe and convenient circulation
of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

L. Utilities and Service Areas

Policy:

Service areas should be visually unobtrusive and should be integrated with the
design of the site and the building.

Guidelines:

1. Orient service entrances, waste disposal areas and other similar

uses toward service lanes and away from major streets. (+)
• Screen service entrances with walls or plantings.
• When it will be visible from a public way, a service area screen should be in character with the
building and site it serves.
• As an alternative, consider incorporating the service area as a part of the building design.

43 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

• Locate areas for outdoor storage, truck parking, trash collection or compaction loading, or other
such uses so as not to be visible from abutting streets.

2. Position service areas to minimize conflicts with other abutting uses. (+)
• Minimize noise impacts by locating sources of offensive sounds away from other uses.
• Use an alley system to locate service areas, when feasible.

Appropriate: Orient the door to a trash enclosure

to face away from the street, when
feasible. This enclosure is located within
a parking lot and is oriented away from
the street face.

Appropriate: Service areas should be visually unobtrusive and should be integrated

with the design of the site and the building.

44 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Service area screens should

be in character with the building and site.

M. Landscape Design

Policy:

Note that these guidelines supplement the city standards in §17.16.040 HMC,
That define the minimum amounts of land area to be landscaped and of plant
units to be used. They address the character and quality of the landscape design.
In general, plant materials that are indigenous or well-acclimated and non-invasive,
should be used.

Guidelines:

1. Preserve and maintain mature trees and significant vegetation. (+)

• Include existing vegetation as a part of a landscape design scheme
where appropriate.
• In development areas, healthy trees and vegetation clusters should
be identified for preservation. Special consideration should be given
to mature trees, 6" or greater in diameter, and to vegetation clusters
with significant visual impact. Vegetation designated for preservation
should be incorporated into new development site design to
the maximum extent possible.

45 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

2. Where new plant materials are to be used, employ indigenous

species into the plant palette. (+)
• Drought-tolerant plant species, native to the region and suitable to
the climate in Hamilton should be used.
• Reserve the use of high maintenance plants, if necessary, for small
accent areas in the landscape.

Policy:

The landscape design within a site should help to establish a sense of visual
continuity.

Guidelines:

1. Use a coordinated landscape palette to establish a sense of visual

continuity in the design of a site. (+)
• Use a consistent plant palette throughout the property.
• The landscape design includes lighting structures, paving materials,
planting, public signs and street furniture.
• Also, consider how the design of streetscape furnishings can relate
to those in the public way that abut the property.

2. A landscape design should use elements to help provide interest

to pedestrians. (+)
• Using concentrations of decorative planting to identify primary
building entries is encouraged.
• Clustering on-site plant materials such as trees and shrubs to support
a coordinated landscape design is also encouraged in other
areas.

Appropriate: Preserve and maintain mature

trees and significant vegetation.

46 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Where new plant materials

are to be used, employ indigenous species
into the plant palette.

Appropriate: Clustering on-site plant materials

such as trees and shrubs is encouraged.

N. Buffers

Policy:

When site development such as parking, storage and equipment areas create an
unavoidable negative visual impact on abutting properties or to the public way,
it should be mitigated with landscaping that may buffer or screen it. Landscape
design should complement the existing natural character and context of the site,
as well as the building design. This section provides direction for landscape
buffers.

47 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Guidelines:

1. Landscape buffers should be provided. (+)

• Provide a landscape buffer at the edges and between parking lots.
• Provide a landscape buffer between incompatible uses.
• In some cases it may be desirable to provide a landscape buffer
between a recreation trail and/or open space. These should complement
the natural character of the site.
• Finally, it may be desirable to provide a landscape buffer at ground
mounted equipment, service and/or storage areas.

Appropriate: Where new plant

materials are to be used, employ
indigenous species into the
plant palette.

48 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES

Innovative new designs that draw upon regional design traditions are preferred.

49 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

In this Chapter:
A. Building and Topography
B. Building Character
C. Primary Building Entrance
D. Street Level Interest
E. Building Mass and Scale
F. Roof Form
G. Building Materials
H. Building Complex
I. Service Canopies
J. Color
K. Utilities and Mechanical Equipment

This section provides policies and guidelines for the design of buildings in the commercial areas.
In general, they focus on promoting buildings that will be compatible in scale and appear to “fit”
in the community by using materials and forms that are a part of Hamilton’s design traditions. As
such, they address only broad-scale topics and do not dictate specific architectural styles or
building details.

Objectives for Building Design:

Achieve high quality design.

Buildings should convey a high quality of design, in terms of their materials and details, as well
as through a consistent organization of forms and elements. This quality should establish a
standard for design throughout the community.

Reflect the design traditions of Hamilton.

Buildings should reflect the design traditions of the region, in terms of building and roof forms.
Distinctive roof forms are a key part of this tradition. Sloping roofs, in gable, hip and shed
varieties are historical precedents to promote and they also help reduce the apparent bulk of larger
buildings and help to shed snowfall. Flat roofs with varied parapet lines and cornices are also a
part of the city’s design traditions and should be encouraged. Buildings that appear to be in scale
with those seen traditionally also should be encouraged. Where a new building would be larger
than those existing in the area, it should establish a transition in scale, to reduce the impact of
building scale on the adjacent property, as well as on the neighborhood.

Promote buildings that fit with the natural setting.

Structures should use native building materials, be sited to fit with the land and incorporate colors
seen in the natural setting.

Promote buildings that reflect pedestrian scale.

Each automobile trip begins and ends in a pedestrian mode. With this change comes a shift in the
scale of perception. As a pedestrian, finer grain details are more noticeable, which is particularly
relevant to architectural design.

50 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

CHAPTER 3
BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
A. Building and Topography.

Policy:

A building should respect the natural topography of the site.

Guideline:

Step a building foundation to follow the slope of the site when feasible.
• In general, an exposed building foundation should not exceed three (3) feet in height.

B. Building Character

Policy:

Buildings should reflect the regional urban character.

Guideline:

Innovative new designs that draw upon regional design traditions are preferred.
• Standardized “franchise” style architecture should be strongly discouraged.

C. Primary Building Entrance

Policy:

The primary entrance of a structure should orient to a street, major sidewalk, pedestrian way,
plaza, courtyard or other outdoor public space.

Guidelines:

1. Design the main entrance to be clearly identifiable.

• Provide a sheltering element such as a canopy, awning, arcade or portico to signify the primary
entrance to a building.
• Where more than one user shares a structure, each individual entrance should be identified.

51 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Provide a sheltering element to

identify the primary entrance

Appropriate: Innovative new designs that

draw upon regional design traditions are
preferred, as shown in these two images.

52 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

2. Orient the primary entrance of a building to face a street, plaza or

pedestrian way.
• Focusing an entrance toward a parking lot without also addressing
the street is inappropriate.
• Consider using a “double-fronted” design where the entrance to
parking and to the street is required. That is, provide a door to the
street and another to the parking lot.
• Consider locating a pedestrian plaza at the entrance; this may be
enhanced with landscaping and streetscape furnishings.

Appropriate: Use a “double-fronted” design where a entrance to parking is needed in addition to

a primary entrance that faces the street.

53 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

D. Street-Level Interest

Policy:

When a building is located close to a street or walkway, it should be designed to provide interest
to pedestrians. For example, commercial buildings with storefronts are of interest to passersby,
while porches, courtyards and decorative wall surfaces add interest to multifamily housing
designs. These features encourage pedestrian activity and should be used whenever feasible. The
overall mass of a building should appear to be in scale with buildings seen traditionally. This will
help new structures fit with the Hamilton context. At the same time, newer structures may be
larger than those seen before; they should simply be articulated in their form and materials such
that they convey portions that are similar to those seen traditionally.

Guideline:

Develop the street level of a building to provide visual interest to pedestrians. (+)
• All sides of a building should include interesting details and materials to avoid presenting a
“back side” to neighboring properties.
For example, the sides of restaurants and specialty stores should
incorporate windows and display cases over at least a third of the
facade area.
• A large expanse of blank wall is inappropriate on any street oriented
facade.

Appropriate: Develop the street level to

provide visual interest to pedestrians. In
the photo, architectural details (roof
articulation and arcade) and landscape
treatments provide interest to those
approaching from the public sidewalk.

54 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

E. Building Mass and Scale

Policy:

A building should appear to have a “human scale.” In general, this can be accomplished by using
familiar forms and elements that can be interpreted in human dimensions. A building should step
down in scale to a residential neighborhood and historic resources.

Guidelines:

In order to reduce building scale, each major building project shall provide all of the following:

1. Divide a building into modules that express dimensions of structures seen traditionally.
• In general, a primary facade plane should not exceed 100 feet in length.
• If a building exceeds this dimension, provide a jog in the facade to divide it into subordinate
elements that will be less than 100 feet in length each (the jog should be a minimum of 20% of
the façade plane height)
.
2. Buildings shall employ all of the following design techniques: (+)
• Change material or color with each building module to reduce the perceived mass,
• Change the height of a wall plane or building module. The change in height shall be at least 20
percent of the vertical height,
• Change roof form to help express the different modules of the building mass.
• Change the arrangement of windows and other facade articulation features, such as columns or
strap work, that divide large wall planes into smaller components.

Appropriate: A variation in roof heights

and architectural articulation

55 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Break large buildings into modules to

reduce perceived scale.

56 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: This building is divided into modules that express dimensions of

structures seen traditionally.
Inappropriate: This project could have anticipated neighboring development by
enhancing the facades with secondary entrances and openings, as well as providing
pedestrian access through the site from this side.

3. Express facade components in ways that will help to establish a human scale
• Establish a pattern and rhythm on exterior walls to establish a human scale. Windows, columns,
and other architectural treatments used repetitively can create this effect.
• Using windows and doors that are similar in scale to those seen traditionally also can help
establish a human scale.
• Also, recess these elements, even if slightly, and articulate them with headers, sills, columns,
and/or mullions.

4. The primary entrance to a building shall have a human scale.

• Provide a one-story element at the building entrance to help establish a sense of scale.

Appropriate: Change the material of each building module to reduce

the perceived mass of the building; however, use a continuous palette of
building materials throughout the project.

57 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Some building materials

(e.g., standard-sized brick) help to
establish a sense of human scale.

Appropriate: Varied building forms

58 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

5. Express the position of each floor in the external skin design of a

building to establish a human scale.
• Use belt courses or other horizontal trim bands of contrasting color
and materials to define floor lines.
• Articulate structural elements, or change materials as a method of
defining floors.

6. Use building materials that help establish a human scale.

• For example, use brick in a standard module to express a human
scale.
• Avoid using large surfaces of panelized products or featureless materials.
• A large surface of stucco or similar material that lacks articulation
or detailing should be avoided.

7. New construction should relate to adjacent residential and historic

resources.
• Where a new project abuts a residential neighborhood or an historic
structure, step the building down at the property edge to minimize
abrupt changes in scale, or increase side yards to reduce the
impact.

Appropriate: Express the position of each floor level to convey a human scale; this
can be accomplished by providing belt courses or other horizontal trim bands of
contrasting color and materials to define floor lines.

59 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: A cornice or molding

should define the top of a parapet.

Appropriate: Using sloping roof forms to

reduce the perceived scale of a building
is encouraged.

60 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

F. Roof Form

Policy:

The primary roof form of a structure should help reduce the perceived scale of
the building. For that reason, sloping roofs should be used in most contexts.
These also will help the building fit into the mountain backdrop. Varied roof
forms in the appropriate context are also encouraged.

Guidelines:

1. Using sloping roof forms to reduce the perceived scale of a building

is encouraged.
• Varying roof forms is encouraged.
• Providing variety in ridge line height is encouraged.

2. All roof forms shall have no less than two of the following
features:
• A flat roof with parapet
• A cornice or molding to define the top of a parapet
• Overhanging eaves
• Sloping roofs with a minimum pitch of 6:12
• Multiple roof planes

Appropriate: Provide a variety of ridge

line heights, in order to reduce the
perceived scale of a building.

61 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Varying roof forms is encouraged

G. Building Materials

Policy:

Materials that reduce the perceived mass of a building and appear to blend with
the natural setting should be used. Traditionally, brick and stone were used, and
wood and stucco also appeared. This tradition should be continued. Alternative
materials may also be considered, when they convey a human scale in their
detailing.

Guidelines:

1. Use traditional building materials for primary wall surfaces.

• A minimum of 75% of the surface area of a wall (excluding glass)
that is visible from a public way shall be composed of the following:
- Brick, stone and wood siding are preferred.
- Other new materials that convey the texture, scale, matte finish
and color similar to modular masonry materials are also appropriate.
- Stucco or similar synthetic material that mimics stucco, when
it is detailed to express visual interest and convey a sense of
human scale, is also appropriate. For example, use reveals or
scoring lines to create panels to establish a rhythm and texture
along a wall, or provide moldings and frame openings that establish
shadow lines and visual relief.
- Other materials, such as metal, may also be acceptable upon
review and approval by the design review authority.
- Using these materials on other wall surfaces, including secondary
ones, is also encouraged.
- Synthetic materials, such as vinyl siding, are discouraged.

62 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Use masonry materials,

including brick, stone and rusticated
block.

Appropriate: Stucco, when it is a tinted earth tone color and detailed to express
visual interest and convey a sense of human scale, is also appropriate.

63 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

2. Materials that are highly reflective or that do not convey a human

scale are inappropriate as primary building materials.
• Large expanses of high gloss, shiny metal panels and mirror glass
panels, for example, are inappropriate as primary materials.

3. Use roof materials that reflect the design traditions of Hamilton.

• Appropriate materials on pitched roofs include: standing seam (low
profile), wood shakes/shingles and composition shingles.

H. Building Complex

Policy:

Buildings within a development should exhibit a unity of design.

Guideline:

Coordinate design features among sets of buildings in a single development.

• Use similar rooflines, materials, window arrangements, sign location
and details.

I. Service Canopies

Policy:

A gas station service area should appear as a subordinate element in the site
design.

Guideline:

Minimize the visual impacts of a service area canopy.

• Use a low profile section for the canopy itself, or use forms such as
gabled roofs, that relate to buildings in the area.
• Screen lights under the canopy.
• Use a muted color on the perimeter of the canopy.
• Break up the mass of the canopy area by stepping the form or by
dividing it into a set of smaller individual canopies.

64 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Appropriate: Matte finished panelized

products can be used when they provide
a sense of human scale. In this case, the
product is wrapped horizontally and
vertically, recalling traditional
horizontal foundations and vertical
siding treatments.

J. Color

Policy:

Building finish colors should help a structure blend with the natural setting and
reduce its perceived scale.

Guideline:
Use muted colors and earth tones.
• This applies to roof materials as well.
• Bright colors are appropriate only for accents.
• A minimum of 75% of the exterior walls seen from a public way
should have muted colors.

K. Utilities and Mechanical Equipment

Policy:

Utilities and mechanical equipment that serve properties may include telephone
and electrical lines, gas meters, air conditioners, telecommunication systems
and security systems. For new construction, adequate space should be planned
in a project from the outset and should be designed such that visual impacts are
minimized.

65 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines

Guidelines:

1. Minimize the visual impacts of utilities and mechanical equipment.

• Integrate equipment into the building design. For example, rooftop
mechanical equipment may be incorporated into the roof form.
• Visual impacts may also be minimized by jogging the building,
creating a space where the equipment may be set and in some cases
screened with building materials.
• Equipment should have a matte or non-reflective finish and be integrated
with the building colors.

Appropriate: Integrate equipment into

the building design. The screen design in
this case, uses similar detailing as found
elsewhere on the project.

• Provide adequate space for utilities. They should not simply be put
into “left over” space that abuts the public right-of-way.
• Locate utility or mechanical equipment at the rear or sides of a
property and screen them with landscaping if visible from the street.

2. Screen a satellite dish from view.

• Use landscaping to screen a satellite dish that is mounted on the
ground.
• A small satellite dish mounted on the building should be located
away from the front of a structure to the extent feasible.

66 February 28, 2007

 Appendix A

Additional Design Guidelines for the Central Business Zone District

and the Historic Downtown Area
City of Hamilton Building and Site Guidelines

Additional Design Guidelines

for the Central Business Zone District and the
Historic Downtown Area

Applicability and Location

The guidelines in this Appendix are additions to the City of Hamilton building and Site
Design Guidelines. Inconsistencies between the guidelines in this Appendix and the City
of Hamilton Building and Site Design Guidelines shall be resolved by applying the
guidelines in this Appendix within the geographic area defined below.

The area subject to the additional design guidelines included in this Appendix
encompasses all properties in the Central Business Zone District as well as the Historic
Downtown Area which is located in the historic downtown, and main street area, and
adjacent areas that have, or are planned to have, commercial and/or mixed-use
development with a storefront character. Typically, downtowns and main streets are
designed to give priority to pedestrians.

In addition to the Central Business Zone District and the Historic Downtown Area, these
design guidelines are applicable within an area defined as Main Street as the core of the
historical business district from First Street to Fifth Street, from State Street to Pinckney
Street, comprised of blocks 25,26,27,28,29,30,31, and 32; as well as blocks 15,16, and
17, between Pinckney Street and Cherry Street, from First to Fourth Streets.

Development Guidelines

All portions of the Central Business Zone District and the Historic Downtown Area shall
be accessible by a direct, convenient, attractive, safe, and comfortable system of
pedestrian facilities, and appropriate pedestrian amenities. The design of buildings
supports a safe and attractive pedestrian environment.

Building Entrances. Buildings shall have at least one primary entrance facing a street,
directly accessed by a sidewalk or plaza within 10 feet of the primary entrance; and every
building shall have at least one entrance that does not require passage through a parking
lot or garage to gain access; and corner buildings have corner entrances whenever
possible.

Facades. Blank walls. No blank wall that faces a public street, public plaza or walkway
shall exceed fifty (50) feet in length.

Storefronts. Storefronts are an integral part of a building and shall be integrally designed
with the upper floors to be compatible with the overall façade character. Buildings with

A-1 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Guidelines

multiple storefronts shall be unified through the use of architecturally compatible

materials, colors, details, awnings, signage and lighting fixtures.

Rooflines. New commercial development may incorporate any form of shed, flat or gable
roofs, but such roofs shall be similar to the roofs of buildings within the block face.

Windows. If the building’s front façade is located on the front property line windows or
window displays shall be provided along at least 40-60 percent of the building’s façade.

Landscaping. Required landscape treatments shall be determined through site/design

review. Street trees shall be planted in sidewalk cut-outs where on-street parking is
provided, and in landscape parkway strips where on-street parking is not provided. Street
tree standards may be modified where the development provides pedestrian amenities, as
approved by the Public Works Director.

Optimize off-street parking. Encourage reconfiguration of off-street parking spaces

behind buildings to maximize the total number of parking spaces beyond individual
property lines.

Off-street parking access. Off-street parking and vehicle drives shall be located away
from building entrances, and not between a building entrance and the street, except as
may be allowed when a direct pedestrian connection is provided from the sidewalk to the
building entrance.

Vehicular Access. Unobstructed vehicular access to and from public street shall be
provided in such a manner as to protect the safety of persons using such access or
traveling in the public streets from which such access is obtained and in such manner as
to protect the traffic-carrying capacity of the public street from which such access is
obtained.

Design Guidelines

This section articulates the community’s design goals and objectives for new
development and redevelopment.

The following guidelines and standards are intended to implement the purposes of the
Central Business Zone District and the Historic Downtown Area, as described in Chapter
17.76.010. As discretionary approval criteria, Criterion 1-4, below, are meant to be
flexible, recognizing the wide range of commercial needs in the community and the
creativity of the market.

Design Review Procedures

The applicant must demonstrate how his/her proposal conforms to all of the “guidelines”
listed in Criterion 1-4, below. The guidelines under each criterion must be used to satisfy
the criterion, or the applicant may propose an alternative approach, as approved by the

A-2 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Guidelines

decision–making body, that better achieves the intent of the guidelines. Before a
development may be approved, the decision–making body must make findings that the
proposal satisfies the guidelines.

Criterion 1. Compact Development

The site layout is compact, and enables future intensification of development and changes
in land use over time.

Guidelines:
A. If in the Central Business Zone District and the Historic Downtown Area
the development achieves a floor area ratio consistent with that provided
in Table 1, or a Long Term Development Plan is provided that
demonstrates how development may be intensified over time for more
efficient use of land and to meet the required F.A.R.; and
B. Opportunities for shared parking are utilized in the proposal; and
C. If the site contains more than one use, the site layout clusters buildings on
the site to promote linked trips. A cluster is a group of buildings that are
attached, oriented on adjacent street corners, or are close together such
that a pedestrian need not walk across more than 64 lineal feet of parking
and driveway area, or one double-loaded row of parking (not inclusive of
sidewalks, pathways, landscaping, plazas, and other pedestrian facilities),
whichever is less, between building entrances; and
D. The provisions of Parking, are met; and/or
E. The proposal contains an equally good or superior way to achieve the
above criterion.

Table 1 - Land Use Standards

Standards
Minimum lots size and width None
Maximum building coverage 100%
Maximum storefront set back 0
Maximum building height 2 stories, not to
exceed 40 feet
Maximum floor area ratio 2

Criterion 2. Mixed Land Use

Where appropriate, land uses are mixed on-site or are mixed in combination with
adjacent uses (existing or planned); the combining of land uses should promote easy
access among stores and services by pedestrians.

Guidelines:
A. The proposal is a “mixed-use” development or contributes to a mixed-use
district. For the purposes of this ordinance, “mixed-use” means a

A-3 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Guidelines

combination of residential and commercial/industrial/civic uses, arranged

vertically (in multiple stories of buildings) or horizontally (adjacent to one
another); or
B. The proposal is designed in such a way that it is well integrated with
adjacent land uses. “Integrated” means that uses are within a comfortable
walking distance (1/8 mile) and are connected to each other with direct,
convenient and attractive sidewalks and/or pathways; or
C. The existing and planned land uses on, or in the vicinity of, the site make
it impracticable to meet Guideline A or B; or
D. The proposal contains an equally good or superior way to achieve the
above criterion.

Criterion 3. Crime Prevention and Security

The site design, buildings, signs, landscaping, parking, and other elements provide a safe
environment for customers, employees, occupants, and adjacent properties.

Guidelines: Crime prevention shall be considered in the site design through

application of all of the following guidelines:

A. Territoriality – All proposed building entrances, parking areas, pathways

and other elements are defined with appropriate features that express
ownership. (Generally, people protect and maintain territory that they feel
is their own and have a certain respect for the territory of others.) For
example, landscaping, fences, pavement treatments, art and signs are some
physical ways to express ownership through design. Such features should
not conflict with the need for natural surveillance, as described in B; and
B. Natural Surveillance – The proposed site layout, building and landscape
design promote natural surveillance. Physical features and activities
should be oriented and designed in ways that maximize the ability to see
throughout the site. For example, window placement, the use of front
porches or stoops, use of low or see-through walls, and appropriate use of
landscaping and lighting can promote natural surveillance. Sight-
obscuring shrubs and walls should be avoided, except as necessary for
buffering between commercial uses and lower density residential districts,
and then shall be minimized; and
C. Activity Support – The proposed site layout and building design encourage
legitimate activity in public spaces. For example, locating outdoor seating
in areas that are visible from inside a restaurant helps to discourage crime
and supports the activity of dining; and
D. Access Control – By properly siting and designing entrances and exits
(i.e., in clear view from the store), and through the appropriate use of
lighting, signs and/or other features, the proposed plan controls access in
ways that discourage crime; and/or
E. The proposal contains an equally good or superior way to achieve the
above criterion and guideline(s).

A-4 February 28, 2007

City of Hamilton Building and Site Guidelines

Criterion 4. Creating and Protecting Public Spaces

The proposal provides usable public space, and recognizes and responds appropriately to
existing or planned public spaces (e.g., parks, civic buildings and spaces, transit stops,
sidewalks, plazas, and similar spaces). Public spaces are “public” when they are within
view of a street or other public space, accessible by pedestrians, and can be occupied by
people. All developments shall meet or exceed the following guidelines. A development
proposal may be required to mitigate impacts to a public space when it is likely to
degrade public safety, or the function, comfort, or attractiveness of a public space.

Guidelines:
A. The development provides at least 10 square feet of public space, in
addition to required sidewalk(s), for every 10 off-street surface parking
spaces or 1,000 square feet of floor space, whichever is greater.
B. The development does not diminish the safety, function, comfort or
attraction of an existing public space, as described in 1-4, below. A
superior design may enhance an existing public space and/or create a
superior public space(s).
1. “Safety” means both pedestrian safety near vehicles, and safety
related to crime prevention (see Criterion #3); and
2. The “function” of a public space may include transportation, in the
case of the sidewalk; recreation and socialization, in the case of a
plaza or park; and
3. “Comfort” means the ability of a public space to reasonably
accommodate expected uses; and
4. “Attraction” relates to the reason people use the public space;
and/or
C. The proposal contains an equally good or superior way to achieve the
above criterion.

A-5 February 28, 2007